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His Royal Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya, the Paramount Chief of the Kumam, today Saturday the 20th of September 2025 led hundreds of people in celebrating the giveaway ceremony of Adwono Deborah to Elobu Paul Rogers in the Omalera-Abata Clan at Otil Village, Kabalkweru Parish, Kobulubulu Sub-county, Kaberamaido District.

As chief guest, Won Ateker blessed the couple and commended the families for upholding Kumam cultural traditions.

He also used the occasion to outline key priorities for the Kumam community, emphasizing the value of education as the best inheritance for the next generation.

The Paramount Chief announced that 12 scholarships for science students had been secured under State House for learners in their first year of science-based courses.

He appealed to his subjects to submit names and documents of eligible candidates, stressing that “education is the only sustainable resource now that land is becoming increasingly small.”

He further revealed that his leadership has dispatched delegations across all Kumam-dominated sub-counties to provide strategic guidance on the direction of the community.

In a passionate appeal, Won Ateker called for love, peace, and unity, and urged his people to vote for leaders based on vision and capacity for development rather than tribal or sentimental politics.

He expressed optimism that the Kumam would soon have four ministers serving in government.

Her Royal Majesty Toto Kumam Jane Akullo advised women to be exemplary in their homes, teaching and guiding their children through stable marriages.

Addressing the bride, she reminded her that marriage goes beyond her husband, extending to respect and care for the entire clan.

She also warned young girls against rushing into childbirth and then returning to their parents’ homes prematurely, a trend she said undermines family and cultural values.

The Minister of Teso Affairs and MP for Kalaki District, Dr. Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the committee overseeing Teso’s cattle rehabilitation program, reassured the community that government has finalized consultations on household support. He reported that every household—married couples, single mothers, and single fathers aged 18 years and above—would each receive between UGX 1 million to 1.5 million under the initiative.

He urged people to use the funds wisely, warning against mismanagement similar to what was witnessed with some Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries who squandered the money on alcohol. He cautioned that those who misused PDM resources would be punished.

Meanwhile, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kumam Cultural Heritage, Kwarowang Richard, announced that the institution has introduced an official customary marriage certificate, available at fees starting from UGX 50,000. He explained that the move is intended to strengthen cultural identity and formal recognition of traditional unions.